PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon jury awarded $85 million Tuesday to nine victims of wildfires that ravaged the state in 2020, the latest verdict in a series of legal proceedings that are expected to put the utility PacifiCorp on the hook for billions of dollars over its liability for the deadly blazes.
“The 2020 wildfires were undeniably tragic,” it said.
“PacifiCorp has settled and will continue to settle all reasonable claims for actual damages under Oregon law.
The damages awarded Tuesday were the first in cases brought by that broader class, with additional trials expected in February and April.
PacifiCorp also agreed last month to pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by 463 plaintiffs who were harmed by separate devastating wildfires in southern Oregon over Labor Day 2020.
Persons:
” Nick Rosinia, PacifiCorp, “ PacifiCorp, PacifCorp
Organizations:
Labor
Locations:
PORTLAND, An Oregon, Oregon